Welcome to fossils by firelight - a series of conversations with South Africa's geological legends where they unearth their discoveries, their learnings, memories, interesting stories (and maybe a few tall tales) to chronicle our history and inspire the next generation of geological heroes.
30 years to Everest – Decisions, setbacks, and staying power
In this inspiring and deeply personal talk, Dr Jeanette McGill shares the 30-year journey behind her summit of Mount Everest — a dream that began as a quiet “one-day” goal and evolved into a test of resilience, commitment, and courage. From pioneering roles in the mining and technology sectors to multiple attempts on the world’s highest peak, she reflects on setbacks, turning back when it mattered most, and the discipline of consistent preparation.
More than a story about climbing Everest, this is a powerful reminder that extraordinary achievements are built through daily commitment, calculated risk, and the willingness to begin — even when success isn’t guaranteed.
27 Jan 2026
Licking Rocks and Other Career Advice | John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee
This episode of Fossils by Firelight was recorded in Hermanus, a place seasoned geologists seem to migrate to once their field boots are well worn. It brings together John Bristow, Henny Greeff, and Malcolm Lee for a wide-ranging, story-rich conversation about a life spent with rocks.
From first field assignments and unforgettable camps to mentors, missteps, underground lessons, global mining adventures, and the responsibility that comes with experience, the discussion blends humour, hard-won wisdom, and sharp insight into how geology shapes both landscapes and lives. It’s a candid reflection on collaboration, communication, curiosity, and why getting your hands (sometimes literally your tongue) on real rocks still matters.
Before we wrap up, a small correction from the editorial desk: John mentioned Gideon Groenewald during the conversation, but the geologist in question was in fact Gideon Scheepers — proof that even solid memories can suffer a little geological slippage over time.
22 Jan 2026
Every Rock Has a Story | David Marount, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine
In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls goes solo at the helm from the geologists’ holiday haven of Hermanus, guiding a rich and often hilarious conversation with David Marount, Mike Dormer, and John Blaine.
From childhood fossil finds and career-defining mistakes to life in remote field camps, mentors who shaped generations, and the enduring magic of rocks in three dimensions, the discussion ranges across decades of geological experience.
It’s a warm, story-driven reflection on geology as both a science and a way of life — where every rock has a story, and the people chasing them matter just as much as the discoveries themselves.
15 Dec 2025
Keeper of the Keys: Dr. Craig Smith on a Life in Geology
In this episode of Fossils by Firelight, host Noleen Pauls sits down with Dr. Craig Smith — long-serving executive manager of the Geological Society of South Africa — at his home in Hout Bay as he reflects on a remarkable career that’s taken him from solitary months in the Wyoming field to laboratories, boardrooms, and what he jokingly calls being a professional “cross-dresser” between academia and industry. As Craig heads into retirement after nearly 16 years of guiding the GSSA, he shares stories, surprises, and insights into how the geosciences — and the Society — have transformed along the way.
25 Mar 2025
At the Coalface
Host Sifiso Siwela interviews Nico Denner, Bob Hatherly, Peet Meyer, and Karin van Deventer about their careers in coal, discussing mining practices and the future of coal in energy production.
17 Feb 2025
Platinum - the good, the bad, and the ugly
Noleen Pauls and Sifiso Siwela interview Dennis Hoffman, Gordon Chunnett, and Ken Lomberg about the platinum industry, highlighting underground experience and the evolving role of geologists in mining.
8 Jun 2023
From Junior Exploration Geologist to Director
Dr. Humphrey Mathe, James Campbell, and Oliver Barker recount their journeys from junior geologists to leadership roles, discussing field experiences and the qualities needed to inspire, in an interview with Sifiso Siwela and Noleen Pauls.
13 May 2022
The Golden Days of the Witwatersrand
Prof Bruce Cairncross, Prof Gillian Drennan, Prof Richard Viljoen, and Frank Gregory discuss Johannesburg's origins, the impact of gold, and how to prepare future geologists to maintain focus on Witwatersrand gold in an interview with Noleen Pauls and Kathryn James-Kleynhans.
2 Feb 2022
Diamonds are Forever
Geologists Mike de Wit, John Ward, and Renato Spaggiari discuss diamond exploration with Sifiso Siwela and Tania Marshall, highlighting the grit and resilience needed to discover rare deposits; this is an interview.
29 Oct 2021
The Big Five (or Six or Seven) Houses that shaped South African Mining
Geological legends Richard Viljoen, Frank Gregory, Ron Hieber, Phil Bentley, Roy Corrans, and Derek Kyle discuss their experiences working for major South African mining houses with hosts Noleen and Sifiso in this interview.
18 Sept 2021
Welcome to Fossils by Firelight
This episode introduces Fossils by Firelight, a conversation series that unearths discoveries and stories from South Africa's geological legends to inspire future generations.
Who has been a guest on Fossils by Firelight - GSSA
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nico Denner
Bob Hatherly
Peet Meyer
Karin van Deventer
Dennis Hoffman
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
5,835
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Podcast Authority Score: 40 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
49
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
0
Contact Fossils by Firelight - GSSA
Guest appearances
Books guests
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